Yu Li’s ears burned from the breath. He took a small step closer to the man. They were so close that Lu Qing could see Yu Li’s Adam’s apple move as he swallowed. The boy’s beautiful almond eyes stared at him, and the next moment, those fragrant arms wrapped around his neck, followed by soft lips pressing against his.

The young master was a sucker for seduction. Lu Qing chuckled, gripping that slender waist, savoring the sweet taste, and carried him to the bed.

Yu Li straddled the man’s lap, feeling a bit dizzy. He’d forgotten his original intention to confront Lu Qing, now only thinking about how the man looked in that lace apron.

Lu Qing’s physique was top-notch, making every picture Yu Li had seen before seem like trash. As Lu Qing approached, all Yu Li could see were those prominent chest muscles highlighted by the apron and the curve beneath the pink lace.

They kissed passionately, and Yu Li’s hands lost strength, sliding from the man’s neck to his chest, slipping under the apron.

His boneless hands ignited fires across the defined muscles, each touch activating them, making them burn hot.

Lu Qing’s breathing tightened, his grip on Yu Li’s waist growing stronger, kissing him until he whimpered for a break.

“We haven’t even started the foreplay, and you’re stopping already?”

He lightly touched Yu Li’s swollen lips, his voice husky: “Don’t you like me in this outfit?”

Panting, Yu Li remembered the marks still on his body and whispered, “Not today.”

Lu Qing looked at the hand still clinging to his chest and laughed softly: “Young master, you seem reluctant to let go.”

His large hand moved from Yu Li’s waist to his soft lower back, slowly drawing circles.

“No animation class tomorrow, you can rest all day at home.” His voice was tempting, making Yu Li’s ears turn red: “Are you sure you don’t want to?”

Yu Li’s heart fluttered, but he didn’t want to give in too quickly, so he tilted his head and kissed Lu Qing again.

The man wouldn’t refuse the young master’s kiss, his tongue exploring the moist mouth, teasing the palate, entwining with Yu Li’s tongue. Yu Li whimpered, his eyes turning red at the corners.

When Lu Qing pulled away, Yu Li couldn’t even close his lips.

Lu Qing caressed the red lips with his thumb, leaning close to Yu Li’s face, feigning innocence: “I’m wearing the work uniform, can’t I?”

What work uniform? It sounded like he’d ordered some shady service…

Yu Li secretly complained, wanting to move but feeling weak. He gently pushed against the man’s solid chest, conceding: “Go get it.”

Lu Qing’s smile widened. Instead of moving, he turned with Yu Li in his arms, bending slightly, hooking the bedside drawer handle with his finger, pulling it open a bit.

Two pink boxes lay quietly inside, as if premeditated.

Yu Li glanced at them and couldn’t help but pinch Lu Qing’s chest: “Did you plan this?”

He’d clearly noticed the lace apron but pretended not to know, saying he’d put things away, yet secretly plotting, waiting for Yu Li to fall into his trap. Not only that, he didn’t listen, keeping the apron, which still smelled faintly of detergent, clearly prepared for this moment.

“I did.” Lu Qing admitted readily, deftly opening the box, taking out the first piece for the night, placing it in Yu Li’s hand.

Yu Li held the thin package, puzzled.

Lu Qing mouthed: “You do it.”

Yu Li couldn’t help but say, “Huh?”: “Me? But I’ve never…”

“There’s a first time for everything.” Lu Qing chuckled, moving the fabric covering his thigh aside, letting it drape over the bed: “The AC’s a bit cold, better put on some clothes, don’t let the kid catch a chill.”

“…”

Facing it up close, Yu Li’s mind went blank for a moment, his throat moving involuntarily, hands trembling as he opened the transparent package.

Twenty?

It seemed more.

Lu Qing’s reported size couldn’t be rounded up, could it?

Thinking this, Yu Li’s hands shook even more.

Lu Qing leaned down, brushing his lips against Yu Li’s nose: “Don’t worry, he likes you.”

Yu Li: “…”

…

…

The usually pampered young master had never dressed anyone before, let alone a hard-to-control child. With no experience, he tried many times but couldn’t succeed.

The child stood straight, but as soon as Yu Li touched him, he’d wobble, slipping away. Just as Yu Li managed to get one end on, it’d slide off to the other side. Frustrated, Yu Li’s eyes reddened, and he grabbed the unruly little brat, forcefully dressing him.

The child took after Lu Qing, who winced, concerned: “Baby, don’t be so rough, he’s still a kid.”

Yu Li, sweating and annoyed, glared at him with watery eyes: “Isn’t it twenty? How is that a kid?”

Lu Qing, voice hoarse, coaxed: “Too big a kid might hurt you.”

“Be generous, young master, be forgiving.”

The peach scent mingled with the heat, sweeter than toothpaste.

The light pink liquid soaked the newly dressed clothes, mixing with the peach scent, sickeningly sweet.

Someone glanced at the other, and the swelling heat ignited instantly.

The AC diligently blew cold air into the room, but it seemed useless.

Yu Li remained seated, tears slipping down his cheeks, drenched in sweat.

Between sobs, he thought.

Good thing there’s no class tomorrow.

…

…

The night stretched on, the moon hanging high.

Steam filled the bathroom, and after the water stopped, Lu Qing, wrapped in a towel, carried the sleeping Yu Li back to the room.

The sheets had been changed, the soiled ones tossed on a chair. A pink lace apron lay torn, draped over the chair back.

The work uniform wasn’t very durable, ruined on the first day.

Lu Qing glanced at the pitiful apron, wondering if he should order more from the One-Stop Shop for Adult Toys.

Given its purpose, it needed to be light and easy to tear, so the quality wasn’t great. One per use, like the other items, needed frequent replacement.

But this thought lasted only a second before Lu Qing dismissed it.

Maybe after this, Yu Li wouldn’t like aprons anymore. After all, he wore them for Yu Li, and everything depended on his preference.

Whatever Yu Li bought, he’d wear.

Carefully tucking Yu Li into bed, Lu Qing followed him under the covers.

He turned off the light, gazing greedily at the beautiful face in the moonlight streaming through the curtains. His chest bubbled with sweetness, and he couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss Yu Li’s swollen lips.

Yu Li was asleep, but the corners of his eyes still held a hint of red.

Tonight had been intense, Yu Li crying throughout, though Lu Qing believed it was more from pleasure than exhaustion.

The hibiscus flower stained with color, crying beautifully, but seeing that tear-streaked face made Lu Qing stop to comfort him, only to be pushed to continue.

His beloved’s urging was an invisible stimulant, and even if Yu Li cried harder, Lu Qing didn’t soften again.

Calloused hands found the supple lower back, massaging gently. The sleeping figure hummed softly, curling into the warmth of Lu Qing’s embrace.

Lu Qing held him tightly, savoring the warmth, sighing contentedly, closing his eyes, and falling into a deep sleep.

***

The sun was high when Yu Li slowly woke up.

Reaching out, he felt only coldness beside him. Sleepily lying in bed, he thought Lu Qing must have been up for a while.

The man seemed to have endless energy, never running out.

Perhaps he was getting used to it after the first time, as Yu Li didn’t feel as uncomfortable waking up today. Except for the soreness from the position, his body seemed to be gradually adapting to Lu Qing.

Thinking this, Yu Li was a bit impressed with himself.

“How am I already getting used to it on the second time? Could I be naturally gifted at this…?”

He mumbled, turning over, feeling his dry face, deciding to apply some face masks after getting up.

After sweating, crying, and everything else last night, he was not only thirsty but his face also needed hydration.

Lingering in bed a bit longer, Yu Li slowly got up, slipping into slippers and heading to the bathroom.

After taking care of business, he moved to the sink, washing his hands while glancing at the empty shelf, feeling slightly puzzled.

Come to think of it, Lu Qing’s room was really clean. Besides the clothes Yu Li bought, there was only an old suitcase from the rental. The bedside table had nothing but a phone charger, and after using up the two boxes of condoms, only half a bottle of lubricant remained.

If the room was like this, the bathroom was even more so.

Yu Li’s bathroom on the third floor was filled with stuff—masks, mouthwash, skincare products, hand soap, body lotion…

In contrast, Lu Qing’s had a toothbrush, toothpaste, a men’s cream, and a few packs of tissues, nothing else.

Turning off the tap, Yu Li reached for the men’s cream, examining it.

He wondered how often it had been used since purchase, as a thin layer of dust had settled on the lid. Flipping it over, he checked the bottom.

Yu Li squinted, examining closely—

Expired two months ago.

Yu Li: “…”

Could Lu Qing have never cared for his skin, letting the cream expire?

He didn’t use sunscreen either, facing Jiang Cheng’s scorching sun head-on, yet still looked so handsome. Besides his unwavering exercise routine keeping his skin tight, it must be strong genes.

Footsteps sounded outside, and Yu Li turned as Lu Qing entered, pressing the door handle.

Putting down the expired cream, Yu Li ran over to him, pulling him to the bed before he could speak.

Lu Qing was puzzled: “Xiao Li?”

Yu Li glanced at the bed edge, telling him: “Sit down.”

Lu Qing sat as instructed, and Yu Li bent down, cupping his face, moving closer.

Thinking Yu Li wanted a kiss, Lu Qing puckered up, only to have his mouth covered by the quick young master.

“No kissing. Why is your mouth faster than your brain?” Yu Li looked at him, exasperated: “I’ll let go, but no kissing.”

Lu Qing, a bit sulky, nodded, letting Yu Li examine his face for a while before asking: “Xiao Li, what are you looking at?”

“You,” Yu Li replied.

Lu Qing chuckled: “Why are you suddenly looking at me?”

Yu Li’s thumb rubbed his face, a bit disdainful: “Your skin is so dry, it hurts my hand.”

Lu Qing: “…”

Yu Li: “Do you never take care of your skin? Do you use facial cleanser?”

Lu Qing: “I…”

Yu Li: “You definitely don’t. That cream expired.”

Lu Qing: “Xiao Li…”

Yu Li: “I didn’t see any facial cleanser in your bathroom. Do you wash your face with body wash?”

Seeing the blatant “no way” on Yu Li’s face, Lu Qing was too embarrassed to speak.

Yu Li knew he’d hit the mark, his expression turning indescribable: “After your bath tonight, come to my room.”

Though unsure of what for, Lu Qing nodded.

Yu Li, satisfied, hummed, releasing him and heading upstairs to wash up.

Lu Qing sat by the bed for a while before heading to the bathroom, staring at the cream for a few seconds, picking it up, raising his arm, and letting go.

The cream formed a perfect arc in the air.

Landed in the trash.

…

…

Perhaps Yu Li’s words at noon had struck a nerve. As soon as Yu Li finished his bath, Lu Qing stood like a guardian at the bathroom door, startling Yu Li.

“Why so early?” Yu Li glanced at him.

Lu Qing looked like he was heading to battle: “I’m here for inspection.”

Yu Li was amused, beckoning him with a finger, turning to the bathroom: “Come with me.”

Nervously, Lu Qing followed Yu Li inside.

Yu Li stood by the shelf, picking through items, taking two masks from an opened box, selecting a serum and a cream, then turning to hand one mask to Lu Qing.

Lu Qing paused, looking at the mask, then at Yu Li: “This is…?”

Yu Li smiled: “To save your desert-dry skin.”

Holding the mask, Lu Qing frowned.

This mask wasn’t like the peel-and-stick ones he’d seen in ads. Even with Yu Li handing it to him, he didn’t know how to use it.

Before he was twelve, his mother would apply baby cream for him. After she passed, skincare became foreign to him. Now, suddenly using a mask, and with such a strange package, it was beyond Lu Qing’s knowledge.

Facing him, Yu Li demonstrated with the mask: “Like this, squeeze the serum side, then tear open the package to use.”

Lu Qing questioned: “Why don’t they just put the serum and mask together, instead of making customers do it?”

Yu Li: “.”

Yu Li: “How would I know? That’s just how it’s designed. Hurry up and apply it.”

Lu Qing “oh”ed, squeezing the serum into the mask package. Once absorbed, he opened it, taking out the wet mask.

Yu Li had already applied his mask, turning to see Lu Qing hesitating.

Squinting, Yu Li stepped forward, taking the mask from Lu Qing, speaking with a small mouth to avoid shifting his mask: “Squat down.”

Lu Qing’s body moved faster than his mind, squatting immediately.

Yu Li, satisfied, bent closer, carefully applying the mask to Lu Qing’s face.

Lu Qing loved when Yu Li looked at him with such focus, his clear eyes reflecting only him.

Watching, he couldn’t help but speak: “Xiao Li, your face is so small.”

Yu Li ignored him.

He continued: “Xiao Li, your hands are so soft.”

Yu Li paused, suddenly raising a finger to Lu Qing’s lips.

Manually silencing him, nearly smearing serum on Lu Qing’s mouth.

Lu Qing quieted, obediently letting Yu Li arrange the mask on his face.

Soon, the mask was applied, and Yu Li washed his hands, satisfied: “Let’s go, lie on the bed.”

Lu Qing, experiencing a mask for the first time, found the cool sensation fascinating. Moving his mouth slightly, he asked: “Xiao Li, how long until I can take it off?”

“Twenty minutes.” Yu Li climbed into bed, lying back to play on his phone.

Lu Qing lay beside him, quietly holding his hand.

Yu Li didn’t mind, letting him.

For as long as the mask was on, Lu Qing held Yu Li’s hand, only letting go when pushed into the bathroom.

Yu Li washed off the remaining serum, drying his face with a towel, making room for Lu Qing. Following Yu Li’s steps, Lu Qing washed his face, looking in the mirror, seeing no difference from the mask.

Turning to speak to Yu Li, he was stunned.

The mask hadn’t worked for him, but on Yu Li, it seemed to double the effect. The young master’s face was already tender, and now, under the fluorescent light, with water droplets on his brows and lashes, he looked vibrant, glowing white.

His Adam’s apple moved involuntarily, Lu Qing reaching out, gently turning Yu Li’s face, wanting to kiss him.

Seeing Lu Qing’s look, Yu Li knew he was in the mood for kissing again, immediately raising a hand to cover his mouth.

“We’re just bed buddies, you’re crossing the line.”

Lu Qing: “…”

One sentence broke the defenses of the 1.9-meter-tall man. He retracted his eager lips, looking dejected: “Sorry, young master.”

Yu Li, focused on applying serum, didn’t notice his mood. After applying two pumps, he gestured for Lu Qing: “Face over here.”

Lu Qing leaned over, Yu Li applying the serum, saying: “From now on, you’ll apply sunscreen with me when we go out, got it?”

Lu Qing hesitated, protesting: “That stuff’s sticky, I don’t need it…”

“You must.” Yu Li’s thumb moved from his face to his cheekbones, ensuring even application, then lightly slapped his face, emphasizing: “Without sunscreen, you’ll age quickly. If you get ugly from the sun, no more kissing.”

Lu Qing was thunderstruck.

Age quickly…

Ugly…

No more kissing…

So Yu Li refused his kiss earlier because he thought he’d gotten ugly from the sun?

At that moment, Lu Qing seemed to hear something shatter.

…

Yu Li found it odd. After applying cream for Lu Qing, the man seemed down.

No matter how much he asked, Lu Qing insisted nothing was wrong.

Now, Lu Qing sat on the bed, head down, typing away, sending messages to someone.

Yu Li glanced over, deciding not to ask for now.

He and Lu Qing were essentially employer and bodyguard, and bed buddies for mutual relief, not real partners, so there was no need to provide emotional support.

If Lu Qing didn’t want to talk, Yu Li wouldn’t press.

With that thought, Yu Li headed downstairs to grab an ice pop from the fridge.

Sensing his departure, Lu Qing’s already downturned mouth drooped further.

Lu Qing: [1]

Lu Qing: [1111]

Lu Qing: [You’re not asleep, right?]

Qin Yue: [?]

Qin Yue, puzzled: [Shouldn’t you be with Yu Li now? How do you have time to message me?]

Lu Qing ignored his question, asking: [What skincare do you use? Get me a set too.]

Seeing the message, Qin Yue was shocked: [??]

Qin Yue: [You’re not Lu Qing, are you? Who are you, and why do you have my bro’s phone?]

Qin Yue: [If you don’t tell the truth, I’m calling the cops.]

Lu Qing: “…”

Lu Qing: [Voice message 20s]

Qin Yue: [It’s really you… (wipes sweat)]

Qin Yue: [You never touched this stuff before. I gave you some, and you said I was plastering walls with it.]

Lu Qing: [Never mind, just get me a set.]

Lu Qing: [I remember your business in Jiang Cheng includes beauty services. Save me a spot for a full facial treatment tomorrow.]

Qin Yue, jaw dropping at the messages, was stunned.

What earth-shattering event happened in a day? Was his friend, who washed with water and let cream mold, possessed?

Qin Yue: [You were fine yesterday. What happened today? You’re acting crazy.]

Lu Qing glanced at the half-open door, then at his empty room, feeling a chill.

Lu Qing: [Nothing.]

Lu Qing: [Just suddenly anxious about my looks.]

Qin Yue: “.”

He’s definitely gone mad.